Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Oncidium papilio

Oncidium papilio

9.9
An orchid with large yellow and reddish-brown flowers that look like a butterfly
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Oncidium papilio
  • The Oncidium papilio is prized by collectors for its unusual butterfly-shaped blooms.

Examples

  • We saw an Oncidium papilio in full flower at the botanical garden in Trinidad.

  • The Oncidium papilio orchid is admired for its striking yellow and reddish-brown flowers.

  • Botanists debate whether Oncidium papilio should be classified in a separate genus or within Oncidium.

  • The Oncidium papilio is often referred to as the butterfly orchid.

  • Have you seen an Oncidium papilio in bloom?

  • Many gardeners choose the Oncidium papilio for its unique butterfly-like appearance in their collections.

  • At the orchid exhibit, the Oncidium papilio attracted attention with its large, colorful blooms.

Synonyms

Psychopsis papilio
vsOncidium papilio
  • Specialized
9.9

A tropical orchid with large yellow and brown flowers that look like a butterfly

refers to the same species but placed in an alternative genus

Surface Forms

Oncidium papilio singular
Oncidium papilios plural

Morphology

Oncidium + Papilio

This is a taxonomic binomial combining the orchid genus Oncidium with the specific epithet papilio (Latin for 'butterfly'), so a learner who knows both constituents can readily infer it names an Oncidium species associated with or resembling butterflies (i.e., the 'butterfly orchid'). Taxonomic naming is compositional and cross-linguistically recognizable, making the meaning directly derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Oncidium papilio comes from the word papilio, a Latin word for 'butterfly'. The flowers look like small butterflies, so the name gives a clear picture and helps you remember this orchid with butterfly-shaped blooms.